geoff and michelle win the lottery

This is Geoff and Michelle Hughes, who used to run the Colburn Lodge a few years ago, which was one of my local pubs.  They then moved to Middlesbrough and ran The Coronation pub in Acklam, which, as luck would have it, was also one of my haunts, as Robbo and Kerry lived around the corner from it, so l would go there and then stay over.
I found out last week that they had won nearly $78,000 on the lottery by getting 5 numbers (plus the bonus ball).  Now they are pretty nice people, but l am still bitter, twisted, and jealous as anything.
I would be off to America and Japan in no time if l won (and probably dead pretty soon afterwards).

toosdle pip.

the scorpion nightclub

Ah.... This certainly takes me back.  It doesn't matter if you remember the place as The Scorpion, The Walerville, The Walkie, The Rats Palace, The Pink Palace or Staxx, you will definitely remember the wild nights, the mine sweeping, the fights, the romance, the food  (either inside or at Brian Taylor's van), and the search for a party afterwards.  Catterick and Colburn is not the same without it, and the bloody Colburn Lodge is still closed and up for sale.  Progress - Pah!

toodle pip

a quiet night at jt's

After sitting around watching TV on Saturday, l managed to persuade the FPO to hit the White Shops for a drink, as we had already been drinking wine, had run out, and it was only 7.30pm.  We called in at The Wine Bar first, where there was about 3 other people drinking in there.  Nothing that unusual, but on stepping into to J.T's (just around the corner), we thought there must be a football match on the big screen, as it was heaving.  We had only gone and forgotten it was a late Halloween do, so it was  a pretty fun night, mainly talking to Michael and watching the FPO fall over dancing.  She is certainly a classy act once she's had a few ales.  A fun night for all of the family.

toodle pip

killing time at the kings head in masham

It's not exactly been a very taxing day at work today.  Once again I had time to kill in Masham, so l went to The Kings Head hotel for a drink.  The photograph at the top shows how busy it was and how the non existent barmaid was (not) rushed off her feet.  Mind you, it was only 11.40am, so l couldn't really expect it to be heaving with local pissheads (apart from me).  I had so much time on my hands, that l discovered (after much fiddling - phnaar) there is a drawing device on my phone, so l drew a cartoon face with my thumbnail.  Impressive stuff, l'm sure you will agree.
Still, l was getting paid for it, so technically, that makes me an artist (sort of).

toodle pip

the colburn lodge is still for sale

Thinking about dodgy places (after the last post), this sprang to mind.  The Colburn Lodge, a much loved Catterick and Colburn pub, has been closed for over a year and is still for sale.  It had been bought, but is now back on the market for some reason.  I only hope it was bought with the idea of knocking it down and building residential properties on the site, but the proposal had been rejected.  I, (amongst many others) hope it opens again as a pub, especially with all the new houses being constructed nearby.  It's an iconic landmark around these parts that used to be heaving when Big John ran it and 60 Squadron were based over the road. At the moment, it's just a waste, and probably deteriorating rapidly.  We will have plenty of houses soon, but hardly anywhere to go.  This building should be listed and preserved.

toodle pip

dodgy people in the arc

'The Arc'  Sports and Social Club in Colburn, Catterick Garrison, is a pub/club actually called 'The Hanson', (but everyone calls it 'The Arc').  It  is a place l sometimes descend upon to watch the football and have a crack on with some of the locals.  To describe most of them as working class scumbags (like myself) would be an understatement.  Here are three of them, demonstrating the effects that frequenting The Arc on a regular basis has on you. They are Ian, Jacket and Dogface.  I have only called Ian by his proper name as l can't remember his nickname (Gimmy? Dummy? it's something.. mmy) and l can't be bothered phoning anybody to find out, but pretty much everyone has a nickname, including me. All are (as you can imagine) pretty crazy, but also sound lads as well. Rachel (Jacket's missus, known as Mrs Jacket) now even runs the place as Cav/Kav/Mr K/Irish Jimmy (all the same person) has retired. This (sad to say) is one of the environments l thrive in, as, living across the road for years, putting the hours in with the nuttiness, drinking and drugs, (plus being devilishly handsome, good at football and pool, bright and funny), l have earnt my spurs. There is a large residential development just about to start behind the club, and lots more families will be moving in and living near it.  Some of them are in for a shock when they head out to their new local for the first time.   Before you wonder, no doctors or lawyers drink in the place, and l can't see that changing in the near future.  Recommended on a Sunday morning when the football team are playing at home, and the drinks are cheap.

toodle pip

the crown in middlesbrough

This is the price Lager should be all of the time.  I picked this up in The Crown in Middlesbrough a week or so ago, as l was so impressed with their prices.  Around Catterick way, a lager is over £3, unless you head to a working mens club such as The Arc at Colburn.  The Crown however, is a large pub with a dance floor, seats, a juke box (and DJ at night), a mixed crowd (aimed at students, but good for old farts like myself), bouncers in case of trouble, and plenty of pool tables.  It used to have a chalk outline of a body on the floor, but this was removed, probably due to people like me lying on it (drugs were often involved).  Anyway, get yourself in there if you end up in Boro and haven't yet been, it's the big pub on the corner on Linthorpe road, which you can't really miss.  It's quiet early on, but that gives you time to chat and hone those magical pool playing skills. I'm saying all of this, and l don't even work for them, so it must be good (and cheap).  There's a door charge later on, though it's not expensive (can't remember how much, as l don't usually pay).  Miles better than the likes of Walkabout etc.  Public service announcement is now over.  Eat this message.

toodle pip

the death of the colburn lodge

Look on and weep brothers and sisters, as it looks like The Colburn Lodge is not going to be re-opening anytime in the future. There is no concrete news on this, but it has been empty and boarded up for a while now, and the word on the street is that it will be knocked down and houses/flats built upon the land.
This used to be an iconic pub in Colburn and Catterick Garrison, passed by as you headed towards Camp Centre from the A1, and a stop off (or beginning) point before hitting the Scorpion / Staxx / Walkerville nightclub (also sadly demolished). I used to do a rock disco in there. My dad and his mates used to drink there. 60 Squadron used to be over the road and at one time it was always heaving. Numerous fights, drinks spilt, laughs a plenty and Rabbi being knocked out like Jesus on the floor (and people just stepping over him). Those were the days my friends...... It was so crazy, that Robbo got banned for being cowardly and not fighting, punters wore toilet seats around their heads, and old Joe used to draw his gun on you in the toilets.
What is the world coming to when our cultural fabric and memories are allowed to wither and die away in this fashion. I haven't even mentioned The Human Frog from Rising Damp.
All to be taken away, and certainly never repeated.

toodle pip

the arc rouges gallery

While out and about recently, l was persuaded to go down to the Arc in Colburn as they were showing some football game or other I wasn't that interested in. Now don't get me wrong, l enjoy a drink as much as the next man. I also frequent the Arc now and again. But just take a gander at the collection of rogues they have in the (out of focus) picture above, which is on the bar. What a scary sight first thing in the morning.

toodle pip

the unicorn shut down

Out and about in Richmond today l saw that the Unicorn is all boarded up and not open for business. What is happening to this great land of ours? This is one of the pubs l usually frequent when l am indulging in the odd tipple in Richmond, and have been doing so on and off for many a year, man and boy. Apparently (so l have been told) there has been a dispute between the manageress and the brewery, so she has told them to stuff their pub. Let's hope it re-opens again soon. What am l going to do with my life otherwise?

toodle pip

breaking in the new local in tunstall

Been out this afternoon with the brother in law (Dazzer) in the local pub (The Bay Horse) up the road where he now lives (Tunstall). The last time l drank in there was about 20 years (or more) ago when l proceeded to walk home, tried to ride a horse bareback (the joys of the countryside) and got tossed off (fffnnnnaaarrr).

Anyway, the locals that were in there today l obviously won over, then ingrained Dazzer into their affections, and then went back to his place (eventually - good job l asked him to tape it) to watch Manchester United win their first game of the premiership this year (2-1 away at West Brom) and have an Indian (food) with the ladies.

A good afternoons entertainment if it wasn't for his idiotic wife trying to bet me £50 and sprouting rubbish about music.

I am always right, and if l am proved wrong, l change my opinion so l am right again.

toodle pip

roxyrama at the georgian theatre richmond

Off with the FPO to the Georgian Theatre Royal last night to see Roxyrama. who are a tribute band of Roxy Music and Bryan Ferry. They were pretty good, and we had great seats next to the stage, but by the time of the interval, we had seen enough (too many later slow songs) and went for a drink at the Cavern instead, where we chatted to Mark (the owner) for a while. Another lad (Steve) and his wife/girlfriend came in, and it was good to discover that he also collects comics and records, and keeps a little list of the comics he still needs (who in their right mind dosen't?). Back to sunny Catterick afterwards for a quick one in JT's and The Wine bar, then it was back home for some Vodka and coke while we watched Elvis in Vegas (which was pretty rubbish). Another date night ticked off! Hurrah!!

toodle pip

out with dazzer on saturday

Dazzer and Louise called up on Saturday as he is trying to catch me up in the orphan stakes (I am however, still the winner).

Myself and Dazzer got dropped off at White shops for a few ales, a chat, and a thrashing for him at pool (which l was duty bound to provide, so l did).

As the photo above shows, the weather was excellent, although it did get better later on, but hardly summer time weather.

Had a good time, and Dazzer met some mad guy he used to work with, (who didn't recognise him at first when he was outside, but said we looked like a couple of 'rum' lads). The guy (Andy l think) said he and his wife had been together since they were 17 and 16, and been married 29 years. Amazing dedication.

We didn't get phoned when we were out, although we said we would probably be a couple of hours, so Dazzer obviously had some kind of up to date sympathy card. I'll have to get my hands on one myself.

I've still got to remember to lock the door when they move closer to us though.

toodle pip

the fforde grene in leeds harehills

Another great venue for seeing bands in Leeds. Many was the evening when l used to hitch-hike from Catterick to see up and coming bands there (Def Leppard being one). They also used to have on people from larger bands that had split up (Alex Harvey/Ian Gillan). It was also a handy stopping off point before going to see bands at Roundhay park (U2,Springsteen,Madonna etc). It was known as a bit of a dodgy pub, but l never experienced any trouble in there, but l suppose l was one of the people that may be considered dodgy. After a few too many drug raids, it closed down and is now a supermarket. The area it is in is really multicultural with loads of food shops (known as the curry mile), and the supermarket itself is meant to be really good, selling all kinds of foodstuffs, which l have no problem with. It's just a shame the pub had to close for it to exist. Now does anybody want a Dedringer 'Sunday drivers' single l had autographed by the band in there? No? DAMN!!

toodle pip

closing down of pubs - the duchess in leeds

Starting this off with some Leeds venues. I used to go to the Duchess in Leeds quite often when l where but a lad. It was a great little pub by the centre of town that had some great acts on in their early days (Oasis and Nirvana to name two). Now it's a bloody clothes shop. It makes me SOOOOOOOOOOOO ANGRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

toodle pip

funeral at darlington crematorium and blackwell grange

What a gay afternoon. Went to the work funeral at Darlington Crematorium, then back to The Blackwell Grange for a cup of tea (I drank Jack and Coke).

Rather sadly, l was asked by the family (about 2 minutes before the task) to carry the coffin from the hearse into the crematorium (obviously l leapt at the chance).

Of course l was more that willing to oblige, as it was a last minute invitation and l did not have to think about it beforehand, but it was also an experience l was not planning on getting from the day. I was also at the front, and led, so l suppose that is also something else to tick off, but the coffin dust made it look as though l had loads of dandruff (the FPO wiped it off).

Had to make small talk with the family afterwards then back to sunny old Catterick for a couple of quick ales before going home.

Met one of the staff team who had been at the funeral, and lo and behold, she received a call while we were talking and drinking that said her nan had died. What an end to the day.

Then again.... heartless bastard that l am, it gave me an excuse to have another ale, then myself and the FPO left the staff member, got some chips and wine for home, and buggered off. A good day for myself and the FPO, not so good for work related stuff and deaths.

toodle pip

work at tottenham court road

I haven't been down to London recently, but one of the areas l was most familiar with was around Tottenham Court Road, as it is around there where l like to drink. Looks like l am going to be lost next time l am down though, as the photos of the work being done means the old place would certainly have changed. Hope they haven't knocked down too many pubs.

toodle pip

the haymarket pub, newcastle

I was thinking about Christmas shopping and going into the Percy the other day, and remembered this old beauty, The Haymarket pub, which used to be in the Haymarket area of Newcastle, on the same side as The Percy. It was pulled down in 1987 to build a car park for the University (bloody town planners and students). What a pub it was, very rowdy indeed, with some excellent bar staff, a 'couldn't give a fuck' attitude, great juke box, and even a space upstairs for bands to practise in. It's a real shame when places like this (and The Broken Doll) get torn down, they are part of the towns history. Forget all these chrome and plastic pubs that are everywhere, some of the old ones need preserving. Probably my favourite time in The Haymarket was before the Rolling Stones gig at St James' Park in 1982. A load of us crammed in there (all pretty drunk), loads of spare tickets, and l also met a guy who called himself 'Telegram Sam' and was a huge Bolan fan. As you can imagine, the conversation was very geeky. I also managed to get some passes for the gig and stole a huge advertising banner from up the scaffolding inside the ground, borrowing a knife off a hells angel to cut it down. I am surprised l didn't kill myself climbing up the scaffolding drunk, but it was worth it (later sold in London at auction). Happy days indeed.

toodle pip

the busby stoop

When I was out and about at work the other day, I had to go to Thirsk to pick someone up. On the way there, I called in at the Busby Stoop, the first time I have ever stopped there, although I have driven past it plenty of times.

It is a famous pub in Ghost hunting circles, as it had a chair in it that was an old customers favourite, and when he died, it resulted in bad luck to anyone who sat on it.

The tale goes that some soldiers from Catterick didn't believe the tale, sat on the chair for a dare, and then crashed their car on the way back to Catterick and died (if true, it probably had nothing to do with the beer they would have drunk while in the pub, I'm sure).

The chair is featured on the pub sign, and people travel to the pub because of the tales, but it is actually not there anymore, and hasn't been for some time. It is now housed in Thirsk museum, which I think is a bit crap, as it should still be in the pub. It could always be put up out of the way, I do think it was attached to the wall at one stage, but it could surely be put in a place that made it impossible for people to sit on it. Don't get me wrong, I think the tale is a load of hookum, but if true, let people sit on it and take their chances. I certainly would, just to disprove the ghostly tale, but I also guess that is why they do not want it in the pub.

Softies.

toodle pip